John Stevenson is a mature pastor, whose experience in the ministry of music, writing, teaching and leading people into the presence of God is rich in its broad embrace of a multitude of genre. He is not a novice and deserves to be heard in what it means to be a true worshiper. John could wear without pretension the “Been there – done that!” t-shirt.

What you will encounter in this book is a spiritual father’s appeal to persons who are just getting started and to those of us who have been on the journey for a while to reexamine what we are seeking to impart and teach to a multitude of people who are being awakened to this new season of interest in worship as a lifestyle. I encourage you to read it with an open mind and heart and hearing what the Spirit might be saying to us.

Bishop Joseph L. Garlington, Sr.,  Senior Pastor Covenant Church of Pittsburgh
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For many years, my spiritual father Apostle John W. Stevenson has poured nuggets of truth and wisdom into me regarding the subject of true worship. Now, any and everyone (bar none) who reads this book will benefit from the amazing revelations God has given him. This book put brakes on my endless pursuit of "doing" worship, and sets me on a path of "being" the worshiper God created me to BE!

Darwin Hobbs, Gospel Recording Artist

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The pen that has written prophetic songs has now given us a prophetic book that cuts pass our typical assumptions about worship and releases the purity of a true heart song. Worship your way through this provocative read.

Bob Sorge, Author and Founder of Oasis House Ministries

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I love books that challenge me and cause me to search the Word of God even more. This book will do just that. The first few lines of the book gave me a real jolt because of something I have been taught and sung about most of my life. It is my prayer that John's book will help restore us back to real intimacy with our Creator and, thus, we will become more productive.

Morris Chapman, Songwriter & Recording Artist

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I'm always intrigued to hear from pastors who also have a passion and depth of understanding of worship. JWS is one of those people and one of my favorites. A lot of your favorite worship leaders and artists are appreciated by you because of John's input and insight regarding worship in their lives. My life is one of those. This book can both encourage and challenge you. I pray that you allow it to do both.

Israel Houghton, Grammy Award-winning Singer, Songwriter, Producer and Recording Artist
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We live in a time in history where more information about worship is available than ever before. However, there are many echoes of the same prevailing thought.  Through the sea of voices, there are a few who speak the truth with authority because their writing is not just an idea passed down to them from another, but a God thought shaped through a lifestyle of intimacy with God and obedience.  Pastor John W. Stevenson is a voice shaped by the lifestyle of worship and obedience to God. As a result a fresh perspective on an often-written about subject is released and is a must read for all who seek to know intimacy with God in a new way.  Worshipers, (that is everyone, not just those in the arts) you need to read this book!

William McDowell, Recording Artist and Worship Pastor,
The Gathering Place Worship Center, Lake Mary, Florida

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If you, as a Kingdom Worshiper, had to possess one relevant book besides your Bible that would give your life balance and lead you to the authentic, true meaning of worship – this would be it. This book is life-changing. Apostle John W. Stevenson has taken us back to God’s precise purpose for true worship. This book should be a major staple in the library of every child of God. Apostle teaches us what we have gotten away from where true worship is concerned. The writings of Apostle John have changed my “worship life” forever.

Min. John Murray II, Worship Leader/Assistant Minister of Music,  Potter’s House Of Dallas, Inc.

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It is an honor for me to recommend Apostle-Pastor John W. Stevenson’s book, Worshiper by Design: A Unique Look at Why We Were Created. From the challenge in Chapter One to assess our motivation for worship through to a call back to authentic, passionate worship in subsequent chapters, this book encompasses a relevant, vital message for the Body of Christ and is a valuable resource for every worshiper.

Vivien Hibbert, President and Academic Dean of the Worship Arts Conservatory
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